Prosecutor sues W. Seattle Herald for defamation in Knox case

An Italian attorney heading the murder prosecution of Seattle-native Amanda Knox has filed a defamation suit against the West Seattle Herald, according to the BBC.

In a story filed Thursday, the broadcasting service reported that Giuliano Mignini has taken issue with statements from some of Knox’s supporters printed in the paper in January.

Chief among Mignini’s complaints, the BBC reported, was one supporter’s assertion that the prosecutor was “mentally unstable.”

Knox, a Seattle Prep graduate, was studying in Perugia, Italy, when her roommate Meredith Kercher was found slain in the apartment they shared. She and her ex-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were charged in the killing, as was a third man, Rudy Guede.

Mignini has drawn fire from Knox’s supporters in Seattle, who claim the prosecution is motivated by Mignini’s desire to save face. Speaking to the BBC, Mignini said he “never visited a psychologist” and was taking legal action against the paper.

Knox and Sollecito’s trial continues in Perugia. Guede was previously sentenced to 30 years in prison.